The Panchatantra stories are over 5000 years old. Originally narrated in Sanskrit, they were popularised in their present form by Pandit Vishnu Sharma. Legend has it that King Amar Shakti asked Pandit Sharma to impart worldly wisdom to his three sons. Pandit Sharma agreed to do this within six months. Thereupon, he narrated stories daily with subtle messages that taught various qualities for success and survival, such as unity, friendship, firmness of mind, earnestness, etc. These tales were called Panchatantra. Pancha means ‘five’ and tantra refers to ‘codes of conduct’. The stories were largely based on animal characters, making it very interesting for children.